American University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Washington, District of Columbia with 7,266 undergraduates. It admits 62% of applicants, costs an average of $41,302 a year after grants and graduates 75% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
American University acceptance rate and admissions
American University admitted 62% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 660 to 740, math 620 to 720). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
American University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early decision | Nov 1, 2026 |
| Early decision II | Jan 15, 2027 |
| Early action | Nov 1, 2026 |
| Regular decision | Jan 15, 2027 |
Next deadline: Early decision, Nov 1, 2026. Application fee through the Common App: $75 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on American University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
American University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $62,242 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $18,618 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $79,369 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $41,302 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $41,302 a year after grants and scholarships, $38,067 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run American University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
American University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 75% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $85,458 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $22,250 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 26% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
American University majors and what graduates earn
American University awarded bachelor's degrees in 45 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from finance ($134,332).
All 45 majors at American University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at American University
68 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 68 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International relations | Master's | 383 | $73,678 | $59,000 |
| Law | Professional doctorate | 378 | $83,340 | $139,660 |
| Public administration | Master's | 153 | $79,444 | $57,297 |
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 150 | $63,853 | $35,539 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies | Master's | 139 | $74,345 | $63,037 |
| Business administration | Master's | 105 | $105,389 | $88,832 |
| Public Policy Analysis | Master's | 97 | $73,753 | $47,247 |
| Business analytics and operations research | Master's | 88 | $101,587 | $53,503 |
| Homeland security | Master's | 77 | $77,963 | $56,979 |
| Education leadership | Master's | 67 | $74,976 | $51,250 |
| Environmental science | Master's | 51 | $71,013 | $33,750 |
| Communication | Master's | 50 | $72,279 | $48,292 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | Master's | 36 | $54,996 | $51,250 |
| Economics | Master's | 36 | $78,792 | $49,378 |
| Peace and conflict studies | Master's | 35 | $61,780 | $59,003 |
| Education leadership | Doctoral | 34 | n/a | $70,625 |
| Public relations and advertising | Master's | 31 | $63,787 | $41,000 |
| Data science | Master's | 31 | n/a | n/a |
| Philosophy | Master's | 30 | $55,267 | $49,691 |
| Criminal justice | Master's | 29 | $59,598 | $41,000 |
| Political science | Master's | 25 | $67,270 | $41,000 |
| Film and photography | Master's | 25 | $54,168 | $66,116 |
| Psychology | Master's | 24 | n/a | n/a |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | Master's | 21 | $62,685 | $51,250 |
| Human resources | Master's | 21 | $83,895 | $50,499 |
| History | Master's | 20 | $51,742 | $41,000 |
| Marketing | Master's | 18 | $65,449 | n/a |
| Journalism | Master's | 17 | $61,469 | n/a |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians | Master's | 13 | n/a | n/a |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | Master's | 11 | n/a | $41,000 |
| Graphic and industrial design | Master's | 11 | n/a | n/a |
| Fine and studio arts | Master's | 11 | $37,814 | $41,000 |
| Arts management | Master's | 10 | n/a | n/a |
| Accounting | Master's | 10 | $81,731 | n/a |
| International business | Master's | 10 | $68,420 | n/a |
| International and Comparative Education | Master's | 9 | n/a | n/a |
| Public administration | Doctoral | 9 | n/a | n/a |
| Public health | Master's | 9 | n/a | n/a |
| Statistics | Master's | 8 | n/a | n/a |
| International relations | Doctoral | 8 | n/a | n/a |
| Health administration | Master's | 8 | $88,939 | n/a |
| Information science | Master's | 7 | $118,124 | $45,273 |
| Anthropology | Master's | 7 | $49,375 | n/a |
| Economics | Doctoral | 7 | n/a | n/a |
| Computer science | Master's | 6 | n/a | n/a |
| Data analytics | Master's | 6 | n/a | n/a |
| Finance | Master's | 6 | n/a | n/a |
| History | Doctoral | 6 | n/a | n/a |
| Teaching English as a second language | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Literature | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Neuroscience | Doctoral | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Criminal justice | Doctoral | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Real Estate | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Biotechnology | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Sociology | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Taxation | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Communication | Doctoral | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Biology | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Neuroscience | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies | Doctoral | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Doctoral | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Political science | Doctoral | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Special education | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Legal Professions and Studies, Other | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Applied mathematics | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Anthropology | Doctoral | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Chemistry | Master's | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 7,266 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 62% women, 38% men
- 10 students for every faculty member
- Setting: large city
- Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at American University?
American University admitted 62% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does American University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $62,242. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $41,302 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for American University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 660 to 740 in reading and writing and 620 to 720 in math, and 29 to 32 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is American University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, American University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at American University?
75% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do American University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $85,458 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in District of Columbia · colleges in Washington · American University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.